JERSEY CITY — An engaged couple returning to their northern New Jersey home early yesterday were fatally shot in what authorities believe was a botched carjacking.

Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said 27-year-old Michael Muchiaki and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Nia Haqq, were both shot twice in the head. They were found near their car, which was not taken.

The couple were returning to their Jersey City home when they were approached by three people, who later fled. Authorities believe their car was not taken because it had an anti-theft device.